Anita Byrne is a community champion in Baton Rouge. She is involved with several civic engagement endeavors, including the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Urban Restoration Enrichment Corp, the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Nexus Louisiana and more.
In 2016, she was named partner at SSA Consultants, a business management and organizational development consulting firm that serves clients ranging from nonprofits to public entities and Fortune 500 companies. Byrne has provided project support for a decade across all industry sectors.
On behalf of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, she serves as the director of Leadership Baton Rouge, as well as on the Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni Board of Directors as an ex-officio member.
Tell us more about your involvement with St. James Episcopal Church.
I came to the Episcopal faith as an adult and joined St. James Episcopal downtown. It's a beautiful church that was built in 1895. Just before COVID, they committed to doing a capital campaign and have renovated the church with a new organ.
A little unique to the Episcopal Church, I was elected to the Vestry, which is similar to a board. Individuals serve three-year terms, and they are elected from the congregation through a nomination and election process. For the first of my three years, I served as the junior warden. The second and third years I served as a senior warden.
The terms are a little unique to the church, but essentially a senior warden would be a chair of the board in a private sector or nonprofit. My time on the Vestry ended in January, but it was a joy and deep honor to represent and serve in that capacity for St. James.
What other roles do you hold in the church?
For the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, I serve on the bishop's executive committee. The bishop, Shannon Rogers Duckworth, is first woman bishop in the 184-year history of the Diocese of Louisiana.
I work with the Inclusive Louisiana Ministry, which is focused on inviting LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies back into the community — oftentimes, the church hasn't always been the best experience. However, the Episcopal Church is fully inclusive. It's a "Y'all means all" type of setting.
From your perspective, what is the importance of having diversity in the church and its leadership roles?
It reminds me that we all have a role. We all have the ability to see ourselves in different capacities and different roles.
Right now, my time as senior warden has ended, but I still get to serve on the Children and Family Ministries for St. James. I get to teach children Sunday school and work with Children's Chapel. The diversity just showcases the ability that we all have a place, so we all have the opportunity to serve each other within the church — and to serve in God's role and capacity.
What role does Leadership Baton Rouge play in your life?
I am a very proud alumni of the best class ever (2020). The Baton Rouge Area Chamber asked if I would serve as the director for Leadership Baton Rouge, so I've held that role since the class of 2021.
It is a program that has made a wonderful impact in my life in terms of the people I've gotten to know. The program allows participants to talk about our community, those spots where we are batting above our slot, and the amazing things in the capital region.
When you look at the nine-parish catchment area, there are things that we are doing that other communities are deeply envious of. Obviously, we still have challenges, but what I like about the program is it allows us an opportunity to think about what civic engagement looks like.
My goal is that when someone graduates from Leadership Baton Rouge and becomes an alumni, what resonates is that there is always a season. Maybe it's raising children, taking care of parents, volunteering or serving on a board, but the ability for you to connect and engage is what makes community better.
Leadership Baton Rouge gives you the opportunity to learn about what that means.
Do you have any tips on balancing work, volunteer opportunities and social endeavors?
I do a lot of executive leadership coaching in my professional role. One of the things we often talk about is how you show up. Sometimes it's about showing up for yourself. So, maybe that does mean arranging your calendar and your energy — whether that's giving yourself time to sync or giving yourself time to be with family.
Or, saying an intentional no or asking how you can support differently. That's crucial for leaders. You can't keep pouring out for others while your cup is empty.
Being intentional with your time and being realistic about setting expectations is a piece of that.